President Mahama officially signs Bill to abolish the betting tax, E-Levy, emissions tax
His Excellency (H.E) President John Dramani Mahama, has officially signed into law eight significant bills aimed at reforming Ghana’s tax policies, financial management, and revenue allocation.
The signing ceremony took place on April 2, 2025, at the Jubilee House, marking a major shift in the country’s economic direction.
These legislative changes include the abolition of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax, along with crucial amendments to public financial management and petroleum revenue laws.
Below is a breakdown of the key bills and their impact.
1. Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025
This bill officially scraps the E-Levy, a controversial tax on mobile money and digital transactions introduced in 2022. The repeal aims to:
- Increase disposable income for individuals and businesses
- Encourage digital financial transactions
- Reduce transaction costs for businesses
2. Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025
This bill abolishes the Emissions Levy, which previously taxed carbon dioxide emissions from certain industries and vehicle emissions. The government plans to:
- Engage stakeholders on alternative environmental policies
- Promote eco-friendly technology and green energy
- Improve air and water quality in Ghana
3. Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025
This amendment exempts motor vehicle insurance from VAT, reducing costs for car owners and commercial drivers. Key benefits include:
- Lower insurance costs
- Reduced transport fares for commuters
- Financial relief for vehicle owners
4. Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025
This bill removes withholding taxes on winnings from lotteries, betting, and unprocessed gold purchases. The impact includes:
- More earnings for gamblers and gaming enthusiasts
- Increased gold trade transparency, reducing smuggling
- Boost to local gold markets
5. Petroleum Revenue Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025
This amendment redirects all Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) to infrastructure projects, under Mahama’s “Big Push” program. This ensures:
- Better infrastructure development
- Completion of legacy projects
- Improved economic growth
6. Public Financial Management (PFM) Amendment Bill, 2025
This bill introduces:
- New fiscal responsibility rules
- An independent Fiscal Council to monitor government spending
- Better budget transparency and debt control
7. Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025
This amendment removes caps on critical funds, ensuring more money is available for:
- Free SHS funding through GETFund
- Road construction projects
- Health services via the National Health Insurance Fund
8. Gold Gold Board Bill, 2025
This bill is part of a broader framework aimed at regulating the gold sector in Ghana. Its primary objectives are to oversee the buying, selling, and export of gold
Credit: 3News
